Resident unhappy at parish boundary

A PARISH boundary is causing concern among residents of Peppard and Sonning Common.

A PARISH boundary is causing concern among residents of Peppard and Sonning Common.

Some roads, including Shiplake Bottom and Blounts Court Road, are split between the parishes.

Ian Bland, of Shiplake Bottom, believes the boundary cuts across his garden.

Speaking at the Peppard annual parish meeting, he said: “I’m keen to see those arbitrary lines don’t have a real effect on me and my ability to be consulted on what’s going on a stone’s throw away from where I live.”

Although Peppard has agreed to help Sonning Common with its neighbourhood plan, the parish council refused permission for a housing survey to be distributed within the parish.

Dr Bland, who lives in the Peppard side of the boundary, said: “I want assurances I will be included in the consultation.”

Councillor Barrie Greenwood, a member of the neighbourhood plan working party, said he could attend any public meeting and he would be consulted on any sites which held a particular interest for him.

He said: “When it comes to the referendum, the only people who are allowed to vote are those who live in the referendum area.”

South Oxfordshire District Council is planning to review parish boundaries.